For years, the city has closed Second Street to vehicle traffic for the free, Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. Children compete with similarly aged kids in a dozen events: the three-legged race, sack race, potato relay, wheelbarrow race, drum roll, tire roll, egg carry and egg toss, ice block race, bike and rollerblade races, milk-drinking contest and pie-eating contest. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the games start at 9 and run until around 1:30 p.m.

The organizers of the traditional Doo Dah Parade in the late afternoon (typically starts around 5-5:30ish) give the kids’ games a run for their money. More than 100 locals dress up in all manner of patriotic costumes and parade from the Lloyd’s Grocery at Manila Avenue and Savannah Road over to Kings Highway, down to Second, across Market to Third, and back out for the final leg down Savannah. Anyone can come and join; just bring an appropriate outfit and a sense of humor.

The Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the Friends of the Lewes Canalfront Park and the Overfalls Maritime Museum also sponsor the highly festive and patriotic Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade. The boat parade begins at Roosevelt Inlet at 1:30 and winds its way down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal to Fisherman’s Wharf around 2 p.m. for judging. Rep. Joseph W. Booth, R-Georgetown, will announce the parade from one of the Fisherman’s Wharf boats opposite the city dock in the 1812 Park. Boaters are eligible for prizes by registering (open until 10 a.m., July 4), and non-registered boats are welcome to follow. Contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 645-8073 for details.

Two Saturday traditions are also part of the mix. The Historic Lewes Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon at the Lewes Historical Society complex, with 36 vendors offering locally grown produce and all sorts of delicious treats. It is the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the state. Visit www.HistoricLewesFarmersMarket.org.

The 43rd Annual St. Peter’s Art Show fills the streets surrounding historic St. Peter’s Square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 4. St. Peter’s Art Show features 140 fine artists and fine crafters from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, with a wide array of original work. The show, with free admission, also offers its famous turkey salad luncheon, a silent auction and a raffle. Face painting and childcare, both of which are free, are offered for children and their weary parents. Visit StPetersLewes.org for more information.

The art show also offers free parking and shuttle service from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., which is available to all Lewes visitors. Park at Shield’s Elementary School or the Ninth Grade Campus on Savannah Road, and ride the continuous shuttles provided by Prudential Gallo Realtors, Price Honda/Acura and Cadbury of Lewes. Parking is also available at Lewes Presbyterian Church and Bethel United Methodist Church.